On March 24, 2001, our association was established at a gathering
at Shizuoka University, Japan, and our first newborn cries were heard. Our purpose
in establishing our association is stated in the “Main Objectives,” but to re-state
our purpose concisely here, we aim to research, by scientific means, the mechanisms
of second language acquisition. I will be greatly pleased if we can say that
J-SLA is an academic association involved in pure scientific research.
J-SLA aims to be an “open-air” association ― not a stuffy one. Researchers working as equals, exchanging opinions freely ― this is the type of association we want to become.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the advisory board, the secretariat, and indeed, to all of you.
The Japan Second Language Association
President, Tomohiko Shirahata
